A while back we documented Lane’s leg implant gone terribly wrong — part one, part two, part three (and it actually continues after that as well) — recently another problem piece, this one on iam:teenagerfrommars, manifested itself. What’s interesting to me is that in “body modification-style” implants on the calf, I’ve seen a very high complication rate — probably over 50% — whereas in the medical community, calf implants are actually a very low risk implant comparatively speaking (usually the ratio is the other way around). I don’t know if this is because they have a larger surface area, or some other factor.
Sarah emphasizes that she doesn’t regret what she went through, and doesn’t want to scare anyone away from implants, but does feel that it’s important that her story be shared, and I agree. This summer she decided on a large crop circle implant, carved from silicone and about 8″ by 3″, to be put into her left calf — this is the photo the artist sent her of the piece prior to implantation.
Continue reading for how the events unfolded.
At first things seemed like they’d be fine — at twelve days it was starting to get definition and she was looking forward to it being healed:
Unfortunately healing was far from easy. Over the next six months it was constantly filling with fluid, then swelling up painfully and enough to make walking unpleasant. She drained it several times which did little but cause her more pain, and she was losing hope that it was every going to settle down. In addition, her incision never healed properly, presumably due to the constant pressure from the swelling.
About three weeks ago she found herself in more pain than usual, but didn’t have any of the typical signs of infection, so she thought it was fine and planned on toughing it out. A few days later, at work, he leg felt “kind of odd — it didn’t hurt but it didn’t feel right either.” It didn’t help that on her way home from work she banged her leg on her car door. When she got home and took off her pants she discovered that the implant had begun to break through the skin.
She made a doctor’s appointment, and within a day a larger portion of the silicon was exposed and looking very unpleasant. Several days later when she had her appointment — her doctor was very understanding and non-judgmental by the way — they referred her to a plastic surgeon two days later, and instructed her to dress the wound and clean and change it daily (a very painful process).
They’d also swabbed her to check for infection, which came back positive. Sarah was put on heavy-duty antibiotics to keep the minor infection from getting worse or going systemic, and after her meeting with the surgeon was scheduled to have her procedure under general anesthesia two days later. This was her first hospital visit so she was quite nervous!
They made quite a large incision to remove the whole implant, and sealed it up with about twenty staples, leaving a drain (the photo above was the day after the staples were removed). Because of sickness from the anesthesia and her pain medication, Sarah mostly just slept for the first week, and describes the checkup three days later as “the most painful thing I have ever experienced in my life”. A home care nurse has been helping her, and may continue to for several weeks. She has not yet been able to return to work.
Bearing him no ill will, she may be going back to the same artist to have a scarification piece done to hide the scars left from the surgery, but emphasizes to those considering implants, “just make sure you know what you’re getting into and don’t take the risks of any procedure lightly, you never know.”
Comments
85 responses to “Another Leg Implant Gone Wrong”
Warren – No offense intended, but to be blunt, please, stop making a fool of yourself with holier-than-thou posts that pretend to be reasonable and informed when they’re consistently ignorant.
i have an implant and lots of other from this artist and honsaly i think this person has done some of the best work i have ever seen i would not go to any one els for extreme mods except this person
i only leave my self anonymous for then artist’s sake
no offense taken Shannon…I wasn’t aware I WAS making myself out to sound Holier-Than-Thou…If I was viewed as that, sorry it wasn’t my intention…We all know I like to ramble and babble and be long-winded.
I don’t see where I was being ignorant though, as I wasn’t saying this was mod artists fault or not…I was also simply stating my opinion much like others have that the procedures mod artists do aren’t really 100% identical to that of plastic surgeons…Maybe some are, but there are some that aren’t…Or maybe it was the statement of the implant surface?
I don’t claim to know (I even stated my knowledge isn’t that extensive on the topic) it all and I’m very upfront about that, especially with implant work(as I no longer desire implant work after my own failed experience), I base speculations on what I see/perceive things to be.
I thought that’s what the comments feature was for…For discussion of the subject matters that were in place, and each person to make their statement.
but if you can please point out where I was ignorant and wrong, I’ll happily retract my statements and apologize and chalk it up to something new learned.
The problem I have with your posts Warren is that you know enough to get most of it right, but you’re not experienced enough when it comes to the edges of your knowledge, but you continue to speak with authority, which I feel misleads people. I think you should speak confidently on the things you KNOW, but be careful about over-extending yourself.
A few starter things that I imagine you’ll agree with once you consider them:
1. In my experience, modification artists absolutely do exceed the standards of the medical community. An obvious example that many of us have lived through is the fact that the cleanliness of piercing studios is what forced dentists offices to clean up their acts. Even today, it’s common to see piercing studios that have better protocols than private cosmetic surgeons. Seriously, if you are ever bored, make appointments at some top surgeons for a “consultation” and ask to see their OR rooms and go over their procedures and you’ll be SHOCKED!
2. The flushing and suction tools are not so much about keeping things clean per se — it’s primarily about visibility. In part this is needed because we’re talking about larger implants often done with far rougher technique, as I’m sure you’ve noticed if you’ve watched breast implant procedures. On the whole these tools aren’t relevant to smaller implants and short procedures.
3. In terms of complication rates, comparing similar procedures, complication rates tend to be higher in the medical community. This could also be an issue of the clients of course. Also, modification artist tend to have more specific experience doing these procedures, so even though a doctor may have the “book knowledge” to back it up, they may have very little specific hands-on experience…
4. In terms of training, these procedures are pretty basic. Sure, it’s not a piercing, but it’s not heart surgery either. The procedures require very little knowledge when it comes right down to it — any bright person should be able to figure it out, and as a generality, most of the practitioners out there are highly intelligent individuals. The area that needs a lot of training is dealing with emergencies, which is where a doctor will almost always come out ahead — THAT is an area where concern is warranted.
5. The same applies to tools/equipment. Very little is required in terms of tools/equipment to do these procedures. Hell, many doctors don’t even use elevators — they use use forceps to elevate the tissue, whereas many implant artists have a myriad of spatulas refined for these procedures. Again, where doctors win is that they have equipment to deal with emergencies. The procedure itself isn’t the issue.
6. The implant finish is just fine. As I mentioned earlier, before I knew better, this was my gut instinct as well, but both doctors and practitioners told me that it was a complete non-issue.
Apologies for any typos in the above.
Oh, there’ll be a video of Lane’s boob job appearing on ModBlog in a few days folks!
Think of it as a mammary memorial.
Awww, poor Lane. I wish his lack of boobies all the best, I sure hope he’s doing well.
I think also a point noone’s exactly brought up yet is that mod practitioners are pretty much exclusively doing procedures which don’t mold or fit the previous shape of the body part they’re working on, with edges and the suchlike desirable results when inserting implants. Doctors and plastic surgeons are doing procedures which conform to the body and accentuate or enlarge previously existing structures, putting much less stress on the skin and much smaller shock to the immune system. Of course complication rates will show this, however the nature of the work is essentially different and imho each is more experienced in their ‘field’, be it implants and mods or plastic surgery and augmentations. Just my two cents.
Haha, can’t wait Roo, My leg is still open and they finally have me on anti-biotics but it still doesn’t look like it has closed much.
Definitely agreeing with what you wrote Shannon…If anyone views me as an authority on this subject, definitely disregard that notion because I most clearly am not…I’m just an observer as I’m very fascinated and interested in medical procedures as well as the type of procedures mod artists do and I just take mental notes about the differences,etc.
The one thing I will say is even medical practitioners, there are good ones and there are bad ones…Just like piercers, just like fashion designers, plumbers,etc…The good and the bad and all points in between.
I will say though Shannon that by saying these procedures are being done in studio environments, is also misleading people…as I know for a fact artists are doing procedures in locations other than piercing studios, ie: Hotel rooms…Which as we all know with hotel rooms, no amount of cleaning will get the filth off them, black lights make those rooms glow, so much you could probably seem them from space.
Definitely the suction and saline is more for visibility but also I was under the impression that it helps keep debris(dust, lint, microscopic air-borne debris) from coming in contact with the inner portions of the body and ending up getting trapped inside when sutured up…ie: keep it clean and visible.
I will agree with the complications statement you made and I stand corrected on that…Because most of the modifications the mod artists are doing, plastic surgeons just aren’t doing. But the one thing is that with plastic surgeons, do they not have to keep records and document all procedures…So if someone came in with a failed procedure it has to be documented right? Whereas with mod artists the failed experienced are brushed under the reg and ignored, on occasion they get posted..Which is why I’m happy to see that, because it does show the risks and enable people to make informed decisions.
Also the simplest procedures, complications can arise…Many of us have all seen and heard about mod artists going too deep or not deep enough…But I will say again that isn’t always just a mod artists problem, medical practitioners can do that too.
I will agree also about the tool differences…A lot of procedures I’ve seen medical practitioners elevating tissue with scissors and just cutting away under the skin…Although there is procedures like the breast implant technique of going through the navel area, where they use a type of dermal elevator but its more like a giant rod with a spike on it.
I’ll also retract my statement about the surface texture as well…Cuz there are textured and non-textured implants. I was just curious if potentially problems could be attributed to that…But yeah I doubt the surface texture was the problem now that I have had time to think about it.
Definitely will agree though that where doctors win is the concept of emergencies, availability…Although recentlty I will say that always isn’t the case either…I’ve seen a few shows where the doctors did a simple check on after the procedure was done and the patient(was a labia and hood reduction procedure) needed more time, but they simply looked to have pushed them out the door…Whereas I’m a firm believer in 24 hour observation before dismissal.
But yeah I do not mean for people to view me as some expert genius with a holier than thou attitude…just a caring and concerned individual who likes to just provided personal thoughts and insights and if I’m incorrect I’m definitely hoping someone can correct me on the subject.
57: Shoot Me Again: Personally I’d say you’re mostly correct however there are places in the world where doctors do not pay attention to working with the body shapes,etc…There’s been quite a few shows based around doctors who have put too large breast sizes in people, taken out far too much breast(various other areas too) tissue
But also don’t forget their are cheek, chin/jaw, and many other implants that doctors do often that are essentially what is being done via subdermal implants by mod artists.
This is all based on the views of size/shape of the implant…honesty I don’t think the implant was too big nor shaped in anyway that could promote the problems…again this is my view though and I might be wrong *shrugs*
sorry about typos lunch is calling my name causing a rumblin an tumblin tummy.
Shannon, my plastic surgeon reviewed my notes, photos and time line I had given him and agreed that even though he doesn’t endorse what I have had done I and Brian took the same actions he would have and removed the implant at the right stage. At no time did he say it was the fault of Brian’s, in fact he told me rejection is more common than the general public thinks. Then went on to explain how commonly breast implants reject in women and how he takes care of them. It may take up to six months to heal but he did feel I and Brian were taking the appropriate measures. His name is Dr. Edwards and he holds clinics out of the University of Alberta Hospital if anyone wants to contact him. He is very mod friendly and open when it comes to procedures, risks and what to do when something goes wrong without pointing his finger at you.
Is it just me, or do the implants in the photo look kinda scabby, like they aren’t finished yet? If they were inserted like that, it’s possible that the fact that they weren’t finished properly would have added to the irritation of the implant under the skin. I don’t know much about silicon and whether it can be brought to a fine finish or not though.
Warren, when you refer to “a lot of procedures I’ve seen” are you seriously talking about something you watched on television?!? I hope no one is viewing the person who readily admits that they gain all their knowledge from PLASTIC SURGERY SHOWS as an expert!
I had an obnoxiously long monologue typed out, but then it got et. I guess that’s my sign to go to bed.
You – Quit cheering. 🙂
I will however take the time to say I am more than just a little disappointed in several of your responses and the rational behind them, Shannon. Of all the people involved in the body modification industry, I assumed you to be one of if not the most educated “non-professionals” when it came to the medical aspects of body modification as well as being the client/patient advocate’s advocate. Maybe I’ve got it wrong, but you appear to condone improper and inadequate surgical/anatomical knowledge, technique and instrumentation. Strip it down to its fundamentals and it is the same damn thing as using a CBR in a navel piercing.
If the discussion is still lively tomorrow I may make a second attempt to disabuse specific arguments made.
‘night gracie.
Hold Fast: Reading Books, Watching Documentary’s, yes watching tv shows, analyzing photographic evidence, networking and sharing stories with others (others who have had implant procedures like myself)…and I have seen quite my fair share of implant(transdermal & subdermal) procedures done in person.
and like I said I never CLAIMED I was an expect…I am basing what I say on my own personal implant experience, which after problems started occurring I tried to tap as much resources as I can on the subject matter. Short of hunting down plastic surgeons to discuss the matter.
Hold Fast also would it scare you to know that a number of mod practitioners initially based their techniques,etc via watching those plastic surgery shows, observing photos and videos of procedures,etc?
Just like how there are piercers who see pictures of piercings in magazines,etc and without even doing proper research, try to mimic the exact same piercing.
The media realm is but one realm of many where if you watch enough of it and absorb enough content you can sift through the shit and find the gold.
Also can you consider a mod artist an expert in their field although they have had zero medical training? As most are piercers who have since left that profession or expanded outward from piercing.
“I’m Not A Doctor But I Play One On BME“
fetch – I’m not advocating anything “improper and inadequate”. I think to put it more accurately, you have an inaccurate concept of “improper and inadequate”
CC – Carved silicone can’t be brought to a “better” finish. But I put “better” in quotes because it really doesn’t make much of a difference.
Warren – I understand what you’re saying about hotel rooms. We faced the same thing in the “early days” of piercing when a lot of demos were done in clubs, and it’s certainly something that one faces in suspension as well. It’s very possible to control a small part of an environment even outdoors. As long as you’re not talking about a procedure where you need to control airflow — and this isn’t that — you just have to be smart about it.
I also don’t think that the average mod client brushes their failures under the rug at all. I think doctors are far more likely to do that — not that it’s evidence, but that very issue (that doctors simply let their insurance, rather than their conscience and knowledge, absorb the failures) has been the subject of much morning talk TV!
Shannon – A quick question: if you feel that implants aren’t surgery and hence don’t need the same level of training, how about breast implants using silicone? Could they equally be performed by untrained mod artists?
Thomas-
1. I didn’t say that.
2. Your question is ridiculous and leading.
Not interested in playing a game. If you’ve got something to say, say it. Don’t try and mask it in a “clever” question.
The carving on those implants is amazing. This artist gets better “finish” on carved silicone implants than any other artist out there in my opinion, and as Shannon stated the texture on the implant isn’t an issue. Sometimes things just don’t work out on certain people and that’s all there is to it. There could be endless factors that contributed to this not working, it could be partially the practitioners fault, or he could have done it perfectly, it could have been the clients fault, or no ones fault, it could have been from too much movement in the area, too little movement, too much moisture, too little, etc. No one knows exactly why it didn’t work out on her, and thankfully she seems to be a good client and understands this and knew it was a possibility before going into it.
So many people are so quick to jump up and blame the practitioner when something like this is posted, but these same people would definitely be saying how amazing the same person was had this worked out and healed in the end.
I have to agree with Shannon in regards to post #67 it was a rather loaded question game.
However my personal view point is that Subdermal/Transdermal implants are considered a form of Cosmetic/Plastic Surgery, nothing less…But again that’s my personal opinion and that’s the great wonder of the world, we’re all allowed to have our said opinions.
#69: Steve, you essentially said what I was saying (minus the implant “finish”, because I was just speculating) just you said it much more accurately and what not lol
How is the texture on an implant not an issue? How is it not different from high and low grade metal jewellery, where scratches irritate a new piercing? (or so I’ve read)
With normal movement, skin moves over your muscle, if something is under it, it wouldn’t be happy, much less if it wasn’t smooth.
Or is it not an issue simply because it’s silicone?
I’m curious to know if Sarah or Lane are allergic to latex.
and if the implants were installed using latex gloves.
Likely too late coming back to this particular table since the focus of attention moves so quickly around here.
My concept of “improper and inadequate” is right in line with current medical standards of care. 🙂 I put in my 8.5 years to learn it and have practiced it daily for 6; I’m secure in the wheres and whys my position stems from.
There is no reason those without a medical degree offering implantation/surgical services to the general public cannot be held to the same standards. In fact, it should be demanded.
If you truly want to know why your previous list of arguments prompted me to draw the conclusion I did, let me know and I will be more than willing to accomodate you. However, if you are not interested I see no point in typing it out again as then it would be a waste of both our times.
Regards,
sam
Actually, fetch, I’m very interested in hearing what you have to say about why you think things didn’t work out.
[email protected]
#72 Helen: I do not have latex allergies. I do not have any known allergies actually.
I’m so glad that I’m the one who started this valid and necessary dialog again, because god fucking knows im the only one who ever does.
I will answer only one point made in my direction in this thread, and its the once that was made concerning a quick perusal of modblog showing me that many of these practitioners do indeed know what they’re doing.
I disagree. I’m not saying that they dont know what the fuck theyre doing because I read an article—I’m saying that they dont know what the fuck theyre doing because I know *who they are*.
And shannon, if you dont start naming these artists…I think I might. And further, I think I might start sharing exactly what it is you know about these people but are too chickenshit to actually say.
The thing that always bothers me with the dialogue over these kinds of procedures is that anyone who tries to ask questions about the skills of the person doing the procedure will consistently get shot down with the phrase “you aren’t an expert” and comments suggesting that because they aren’t, they shouldn’t comment. I can’t even be bothered to ask a question as I know that it won’t get answered fully as I don’t do this kind of work.
I am glad that Sarah chose to share this experience with everyone so that there is more information about the potential risks out there.
wow, what a pity, that would have been awesome.
dear god. ahhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
hahahahahha after looking at “starfucker” i wanted to get implants in my penis. but after seeing these photos. i think ill get them on my arm instead. the only puss i want is on my penis not in it….get it? hahah
wow i’m a bit late coming back to this… i just have a personal interest in knowing names, because every time i see a fucked up mod i think to myself “I bet that was *world renowned and oft brown nosed mod artist who left filthy blood spray all over our piercing cubicles after claiming he would clean them up and we shouldn’t worry about it*”
yep i’m a dog with a bone i just can’t let go.
But regardless, I’m still thankful that these things are at least posted, so that people thinking about getting a fully sick implant understand that it doesn’t all end in awesomeness.
thankyou, i have my answer now, not who i was guessing it to be =)
Surgeon here doing research for a client who is interested in similar implants. As far as I can tell from the information provided, there was little, if anything that could have been done to make this procedure successful. Any surgery of this type is an unfortunately inexact science. It’s new and we don’t always know what will happen. By surgery of this type I mean any implant surgery, whether done by an MD or artist. You are putting a foreign object into your body. It is dangerous.
That said, when clients come to me seeking these kinds of procedures I refer them to an artist. Not because the procedures are more dangerous than what I do, but simply because I do not know how to do them (and my hospital won’t let me try). The artist I refer my clients to has a similar success/rejection rate to my own.
Shannon, Sarah, thank you. Your information was very helpful.
does anybody ever put any stock into yttrx’s opion ??
I can’t believe they cut that much to take the implant out. Especially since an implant is put in with such a small incision. I hope she likes scars cause that’s gonna be a nasty one. It’s a shame that implant failed cause it seem like it would have been cool.